THE Church should intensify its efforts to preach peace and love to Zambians as the country heads towards the August 11 general elections, President Edgar Lungu has said.

He reiterated that the Church had a critical role to play in maintaining peace in the country.

President Lungu was speaking yesterday at Heroes Stadium in Lusaka when he officiated at the Reformed Church in Zambia (RCZ) Golden Jubilee celebrations whose theme was “Celebrating the year of God’s favour”.

“As we approach elections, there is need for the RCZ flock and the entire Church to intensify their efforts to preach peace and love to the people of Zambia as the foundation on which our forefathers laid our nation.

“Failure to uphold the principles of ‘One Zambia, One Nation’ motto will be disrespecting the heroes and heroines of our motherland who sacrificed at great cost to achieve political independence for Zambians to live in peace,” he said.

President Lungu noted that Zambia was popularly known as an oasis of peace worldwide. Hence, the need to maintain the record.

He reaffirmed that he would continue to uphold the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation and promote peace and stability in the country ahead of the general elections.

“I will not shy away from talking about this serious subject; I will continue to reiterate this at every opportunity possible,” President Lungu said.

He appealed to the Church to take advantage of their sermons to denounce acts of violence and preach peace.

President Lungu urged the Church to play a role as a messenger of peace and love.

He called on the Church to provide spiritual guidance and firmly stand in the gap for the country following the recent suspected ritual killings and deaths caused by road accidents.

“In the wake of various vices that are confronting our nation, among them, a spate of ritual killings and accidents, I appeal to the Church to pray for us to overcome,” he said.

President Lungu commended the RCZ for complementing Government’s efforts and improving the livelihood of the Zambian people through various projects.

“I am happy to note the tremendous work that the Reformed Church in Zambia has done and is still carrying out in the education, health and social sectors to complement Government efforts since its establishment in Zambia,” he said.

And RCZ moderator Professor Edwin Zulu said RCZ would continue to work and support the government of the day.

Pro. Zulu emphasized that the Church would continue praying and inculcating the spirit of oneness amongst the people of Zambia even as the country goes to the polls.

“As RCZ we will always work with the government of the day. I want to also take this opportunity to say that we will also continue to condemn political violence and preach peace and oneness in the country,” Prof. Zulu said.